Just hours after Keir Starmer's emotional resignation from the UK Prime Minister's office, Labour leader Andy Burnham was sworn in as Makerfield's new MP in the House of Commons. The 56-year-old is now in the running to become the next UK PM, with reports suggesting he could take over as early as July.
Burnham, who previously served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, won the Makerfield by-election by 9,000 votes last week. He has confirmed that he will seek to take over as the prime minister, calling for an 'orderly and responsible' transition of the Downing Street office.
With nominations for his successor set to open on July 9, Burnham could become the next PM by the end of the summer break on September 1. However, his team is reportedly 'not very ready' for the changeover, and the Labour party may try to keep Keir Starmer in office until the autumn.
